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News - page 7

UK abandons demand for secret backdoor into US iPhone accounts

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Apple Privacy
The U.K. won’t try to violate your privacy.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The United Kingdom government gave up its demand for a backdoor into encrypted Apple iCloud accounts.

Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, announced the change late Monday. The DNI had been fighting the attempt to violate the privacy of Americans since word of the U.K.’s plan first came to light.

iOS 26 beta 7: All the new features and changes

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iOS 26 Beta 7
The latest iOS 27 beta is light on changes.
Photo: Rajesh Pandey/Cult Of Mac

Apple continues testing iOS 26, releasing the seventh beta build to developers on August 18, Monday. This is the third consecutive beta from the company in three weeks.

Unlike the last few beta builds, iOS 26 beta 7 doesn’t pack any major changes. Check out everything new in the build below.

The Dink comedy puts pickleball in play on Apple TV+

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Mary Steenburgen and Jake Johnson star in
Mary Steenburgen and Jake Johnson star in The Dink, a comedy that revolves around the sometimes-reviled sport of pickleball.
Photo: Apple TV+

Apple Original Films said Monday it acquired The Dink, a new comedy movie starring Jake Johnson as a faded tennis player who embraces the sport that shall not be named: pickleball.

Josh Greenbaum (Will & Harper and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) will direct a promising cast led by Johnson (New Girl and Minx), along with Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Chloe Fineman.

Comedy legend (and Severance executive producer) Ben Stiller will make an on-screen appearance. As will actual tennis stars Andy Roddick and John McEnroe.

iPhone 17e could ditch notch for Dynamic Island

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iPhone 17e ditches the notch
iPhone 16e's successor could feature Dynamic Island in place of a notch.
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple’s budget iPhone might get a significant visual overhaul in 2026, with the iPhone 17e ditching the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island, according to a new leak.

That would finally bring the modern Dynamic Island experience, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro, to price-conscious consumers. However, the leaker didn’t clarify whether we can count on Apple adding MagSafe to the new budget phone, a key feature left out of the iPhone 16e.

Why DoCast is the ultimate iPhone and iPad screen mirroring app

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The DoCast app makes it easy to mirror your iPhone or iPad to Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and more.
The DoCast app makes it easy to mirror your iPhone or iPad to Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and more.
Photo: Electronic Team

If you want to mirror iPhone to TV, Apple’s built-in AirPlay is a great option. But what if your TV doesn’t support AirPlay?

Enter the DoCast screen mirroring app for iOS, a comprehensive screen mirroring app that supports Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV and DLNA-enabled TVs. It bridges the gap between your iPhone or iPad to stream high-quality video, music or pictures to almost any smart TV.

iPhone 17 Air rumors: Everything to expect from Apple’s ultra-thin handset

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iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup
We know a lot about the likely iPhone 17 Air features.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple will shake up its iPhone lineup this September with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Air, a dramatically thinner device that could replace the Plus model entirely. Based on numerous reports and leaks we’ve included in this iPhone 17 Air rumor roundup, this new phone promises to be Apple’s most significant design departure in years.

Foldable iPhone might push iPhone 18 launch to 2027

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Image of an iPhone with white screen on pink background, with the words,
Apple might shake up the traditional iPhone release schedule next year.
Image: Matteo Vella/Unsplash License/Cult of Mac

Apple might shake up the iPhone release schedule in a big way next year, delaying the iPhone 18 release date until the first quarter of 2027, according to a new report.

Why the big switch?  To make room for next year’s standout device: the first folding iPhone.

Last chance: Lock in early bird price on brilliant bionic office chair

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Computer renders of the LiberNovo Omni massaging office chair.
The Omni's innovative, flexible backrest provides support for natural motions.
Photo: LiberNovo

With only seven days remaining, the LiberNovo Omni Kickstarter campaign is closing in on the finish line, and it’s already a record-breaker.

With over 8,000 supporters pledging more than $7 million, the Omni has become the highest-funded ergonomic chair in Kickstarter history.

The campaign officially ends August 23, 2025, at 8:51 am Pacific. When it does, the up to 31% early-bird discount will disappear, along with free U.S. shipping, no customs fees and stretch goal rewards. Heard enough? Reserve yours now on Kickstarter.

For Mac users who spend hours perfecting videos in Final Cut Pro, coding the next breakthrough app or designing stunning interfaces, the right workspace setup is everything. But while you’ve invested in the best displays, keyboards and other ergonomic gear, you may overlook one crucial element: a highly adaptable massage office chair that supports you through those marathon creative sessions. And from what we’ve seen, that chair should be the new LiberNovo Omni with its innovative Bionic Flexfit Backrest, available now at a discount on Kickstarter.

Its advanced features work together to keep you comfortable and relaxed through long days of computer work.

Chief of War still commands strong viewership

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Jason Momoa in Chief of War on Apple TV+
Jason Momoa in Chief of War, a hit drama series on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Viewers keep rallying behind the action-packed historical drama series Chief of War starring Jason Momoa. High ratings put it among the most popular series on streaming for a second week, according to two different ratings trackers.

And that’s not the only hit this week for  Apple TV+. The second season of the comedy Platonic earns good ratings, too.

iPhone 17 Pro rumors: The complete rundown

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iPhone 17 Pro rumor roundup
Here's what the rumors say about the iPhone 17 Pro.
Photo: ChatGPT

In less than a month, the iPhone 17 Pro rumors will pay off — or not — when Apple takes the wraps off its iPhone 17 models. While the entire lineup will get a big revamp this year, the iPhone 17 Pro should still be the star of the show.

Leaks and rumors already revealed quite a lot about the iPhone 17 Pro, giving us a solid idea of what’s in store. Here’s a quick refresher of what to expect.

Peanuts summer musical brings big-time talent [Now streaming!]

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Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical special
Catch the new “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical" starting Friday, August 15, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Photo: Apple TV+

Streaming Friday (or really Thursday night, per typical Apple TV+ practice), Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical — the first Peanuts musical in more than three decades — sees Charlie Brown and the gang trying to save their beloved summer camp from going bust. And the music part is no joke here, featuring songs from singer-songwriter Ben Folds and other award-winning composers. Watch the recent trailer below.

Reviews so far seem quite positive. The New York Times talked about the show’s “new direction,” depicting Charlie Brown’s triumph while celebrating Charles M. Schulz’s legacy 25 years after his death and 75 years after the birth of his iconic comic strip. Nerds that Geek calls the musical numbers “a real treat.” The San Francisco Chronicle said it “charms with heart and songs” and “hits the right notes.”

iOS 18.6.1, watchOS 11.6.1 fix major Apple Watch headache

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iOS 18.6.1
iOS 18.6.1 helps fix a major headache for many U.S. Apple Watch users.
Image: Cult of Mac

Apple released new system software for iPhone and Apple Watch on Thursday to return blood oxygen sensing to all Apple Watch users, removing a limitation that irritated many in the United States. Americans missing the feature can install iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 now.

There’s also an iPadOS 18.6.1 update, but there are no fresh updates to macOS, tvOS or visionOS.

Blood Oxygen testing returns to Apple Watch in the US

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Apple Watch blood oxygen
Good news for U.S. Apple Watch users!
Graphic: ChatGPT/Apple/Cult of Mac

A redesigned blood oxygen measurement capability will arrive Thursday for Apple Watch models that lost access to the feature due to a patent dispute.

Apple found a workaround that involves the Apple Watch testing the user’s blood oxygenation level, then displaying the reading on a paired iPhone.

Update: Apple released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 with the promised workaround.

Apple’s ‘Pixar Lamp’ robot could feature a human-like Siri

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Apple desktop robot
Control the lamp naturally, using gestures in the air.
Photo: Apple

Apple plans an ambitious return to artificial intelligence hardware with a slate of new devices, headlined by a tabletop robot designed to serve as an interactive AI companion, according to a new report. Cult of Mac reported on the “Pixar Lamp” robot and its physical motions before, but new information indicates a new version of Siri could make it surprisingly human-like in its interactions with people.

iPhone 17 Air, M5 MacBook Air to use Apple-made wireless chips

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iPhone 17 Air render
iPhone 17 Air will be the second iPhone to use Apple's custom modem.
Photo: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple will reportedly expand the use of custom chips in its future devices. This will start with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air using its in-house modem.

The M5 MacBook Air will allegedly then follow, using a new in-house wireless chip, likely combining Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality into one.

Faster chip will bring Apple Intelligence to next-gen iPad

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2025 iPad 11 with Apple A16
iPad is getting a speed boost.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The 2026 version of the budget iPad will be able to use Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 processor, according to information leaking out of Apple. And the next Apple TV 4K refresh could feature Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The company is working on an iPad mini update with an A19 Pro chip, too.

Internal code accidentally shared by Apple revealed key details about these upcoming devices and their processor upgrades.

Apple preps slew of new home security products

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Apple home-security devices
New Apple home security devices like a face-recognizing doorbell cam would complete with other HomeKit-friendly products from comanies like Aqara.
Photo:

As Apple seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the connected-home market, it works on an ambitious lineup of home security devices that include smart cameras and a facial-recognition doorbell that can unlock doors, according to new report Wednesday.

Low-cost MacBook with A18 performance might surprise everyone

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Low-cost MacBook performance
The rumored low-cost MacBook with an A18 chip could offer performance suited to students.
Concept: Google Gemini

There’s skepticism about the low-cost MacBook that’s reportedly launching soon because it reportedly will run on an Apple A18 processor — the same one in current iPhones. But this chip is more powerful than you might realize.

I compared the performance of the A18 to Apple’s M-series Mac chips, and I think you’ll be surprised by how well the iPhone processor performed.

iPhone 17 Pro may break Apple’s long-standing $999 streak

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iPhone 17 and 17 Air may lack ProMotion display features
The debate continues over whether all four iPhone 17 models will get ProMotion display, or if two of them will just be 120Hz.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple may charge an extra $50 for the iPhone 17 Pro. But it could also finally increase the 128GB base storage in favor of a roomier option.

A $50 price bump means the iPhone 17 Pro will cost $1,050 in the U.S. before taxes.

Why we shouldn’t expect the M5 MacBook Pro until 2026

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M5 MacBook Pro rumors
The latest M5 MacBook Pro rumor says the updated macOS notebook won’t be out until next year.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Don’t set your heart on a MacBook Pro with a speedy new Apple M5 processor under the Christmas tree this year. A growing body of evidence indicates the next version of Apple’s premier laptop won’t arrive until 2026.

But the M5 processor should be available before then.

Plugable’s new Thunderbolt 4 dock is designed for Mac

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Plugable TBT-UDM
The Plugable TBT-UDM fits with Mac setups while adding 13 ports.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable created the TBT-UDM Thunderbolt 4 dock with Apple users in mind. It offers more than a dozen ports — including dual 4K HDMI — in an aluminum chassis intended to blend into Mac setups.

Just as importantly, it launched Tuesday at a price lower than usual for a Thunderbolt dock.

Ted Lasso now boarding: Watch Apple TV+ shows for free on United Airlines flights

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Apple TV+ shows on United Airlines flights
In each case so far, only the first season of each show is available.
Photo: United Airlines

United Airlines passengers can now watch popular Apple TV+ originals including Severance, Ted Lasso and Slow Horses for free during flights, the airline said Tuesday. The partnership brings full seasons of award-winning Apple TV+ content to United’s 130,000-plus seatback screens and mobile app.

UltraLoq smart lock brings native Apple home key support

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UltraLoq NFC smart deadbolt lock
The new UltraLoq NFC smart deadbolt lock offers native support for Apple Home Key.
Photo: UltraLoq

Smart lock manufacturer UltraLoq released its first deadbolt compatible with Apple home key last week, offering iPhone and Apple Watch users a seamless way to unlock their doors with a simple tap. You can buy the UltraLoq Bolt NFC smart deadbolt lock for $199.99 with discounts.

“Our product strategy is rooted in delivering both convenience and security,” said Raj Sundar, Senior Product Director at Xthings, UltraLoq’s parent company. “With Bolt NFC – Works With Apple home key, we’re not just launching our first lock with Apple home key support, we’re answering the call from Apple Home users who expect a fast, secure, and truly native unlocking experience.”

Martin Scorsese almost got his gun over Taxi Driver cuts [Apple TV+ trailer]

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Mr. Scorsese documentary series on Apple TV+
Young Marty Scorsese, left, and a more recent likeness.
Photo: Apple TV+

Legendary movie director Martin Scorsese scared colleagues like Steven Spielberg when he threatened to get a gun and use it on the people who wanted to tone down the bloody violence in the now-classic film Taxi Driver (1976) with Robert De Niro. Needless to say, he never did that, but it’s fun as hell to hear him talk about it in the new clip Apple TV+ dropped Monday for upcoming documentary series Mr. Scorsese, along with a couple of photos. You can watch the teaser trailer below.

The ambitious five-part documentary series explores the life and legendary career of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Scorsese. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rebecca Miller, the series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on October 17.